Novel mobility test to assess functional vision in patients with inherited retinal dystrophies. (31st August 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Chung, Daniel C; McCague, Sarah; Yu, Zi‐Fan; Thill, Satha; DiStefano‐Pappas, Julie; Bennett, Jean; Cross, Dominique; Marshall, Kathleen; Wellman, Jennifer; High, Katherine A
• Is Part Of: Clinical & experimental ophthalmology. Volume 46:Number 3(2018)
• Page Start: 247
• Page End: 259
• Publication Date: 2017-08-31
• Subjects: functional vision -- inherited retinal dystrophy -- luminance -- mobility test; Ophthalmology -- Periodicals; 617.7
• DOI: 10.1111/ceo.13022
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1442-6404

Abstract

Abstract: Importance: This novel endpoint tracks functional vision changes in patients with inherited retinal dystrophies (IRDs) over time. Background: The aims of the study were to determine whether a multi‐luminance mobility test (MLMT) can detect functional vision changes over time in subjects with IRDs and to assess natural history and potential effects of investigational agents. Design: This is a prospective, observational study. Participants: Sixty‐two subjects were enrolled. Sixty (29 normal sighted and 31 visually impaired) were eligible; 54 (28 visually impaired and 26 normal‐sighted) completed all testing visits. Methods: Subjects navigated MLMT courses three times over 1 year. At each visit, subjects completed testing using individual eyes, and both eyes, at up to nine standardized, increasing luminance levels (range 1 to 400 lux). Accuracy and speed were evaluated and compared with visual acuity (VA), visual field (VF) and a visual function questionnaire. Main Outcome Measures: Accuracy and speed of normal and visually impaired subjects on MLMT, and reliability and content validity of MLMT were the main outcome measures. Results: MLMT distinguished normal‐sighted from visually impaired subjects. All control subjects passed all MLMT attempts at all tested light levels. Visually impaired subjects' performance varied widely; some declined over 1 year. Performance declined markedly below certain VA and VF thresholds. Concordance on performance on two baseline visits was high: correlations for accuracy were 94% and 98% for lowest common and highest common lux levels. Conclusions and Relevance: MLMT differentiated visually impaired from control populations and, in visually impaired subjects, identified a range of performances; and tracked performance declines over time, consistent with these progressive conditions.